Is private school cheaper in Bridgeport or Elgin?

Elgin has lower average private school tuition at $11,700/year vs $23,100/year in Bridgeport. That's $11,400/year less, or $148,200 over a K-12 career.

How much can I save on private school by choosing Elgin over Bridgeport?

Average tuition in Elgin is $11,400/year less than Bridgeport. Over 13 years (K-12), that's $148,200 per child. Religious schools are the most affordable option in both cities: $12,700/year in Bridgeport, $7,400/year in Elgin.

How do Bridgeport and Elgin private school costs compare to the national average?

The national average private school tuition is $12,350/year. Bridgeport averages $23,100/year ($10,750 above average). Elgin averages $11,700/year ($650 below average).

Private School Cost: Bridgeport vs Elgin

Elgin averages $11,400/year less for private school (97% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $148,200 per child.

Bottom Line

Elgin is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $11,700/year vs $23,100/year in Bridgeport. Religious schools run $7,400/year on the low end.

Bridgeport

$23,100

avg tuition/year

$10,750 above national avg

Elgin

$11,700

avg tuition/year

$650 below national avg

Lower cost

Tuition by School Type & Grade

Category	Bridgeport	Elgin	Difference
All Schools (Average)	$23,100/yr	$11,700/yr	+$11,400
Religious Schools	$12,700/yr	$7,400/yr	+$5,300
Independent/Prep	$45,900/yr	$27,100/yr	+$18,800
Elementary (K-5)	$19,600/yr	$9,900/yr	+$9,700
Middle School (6-8)	$23,100/yr	$11,700/yr	+$11,400
High School (9-12)	$27,700/yr	$14,000/yr	+$13,700

K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)

Bridgeport

$300,300

Elgin

$152,100

Choosing Elgin saves $148,200 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $296,400.

Sample Schools

Bridgeport

Fairfield Prep

Catholic · 9–12 · $22,800/yr

Academy of Our Lady of Mercy

Catholic · PK–12 · $14,800/yr

Elgin

Timothy Christian Schools (Elgin)

Christian · K–12 · $11,200-$13,800/yr

St. Edward Central Catholic High School

Catholic · 9–12 · $12,400/yr

Full Bridgeport breakdown → Full Elgin breakdown →

Connecticut private school costs Illinois private school costs

About This Comparison

This comparison uses NCES Private School Universe Survey data, adjusted for metro-level cost-of-living differences. "Average tuition" blends religious schools (Catholic, Christian) and independent day/prep schools. Religious schools typically cost 60-70% less than independent schools in the same city.

Grade-level estimates (elementary, middle, high) are derived from the city average using national grade-level multipliers. High school tuition typically runs 15-25% above the city average; elementary runs 10-20% below.